Volunteer workers upgrade home of epileptic teenager
Dozens of contractors volunteered Saturday to renovate the east Las Vegas home of a family whose 16-year-old daughter suffers from a rare form of epilepsy.
The project was organized by a charity arm of Washington, D.C.-based Associated General Contractors, which is holding ConExpo-Con/Agg 2011 at Las Vegas Convention Center from Tuesday through Friday.
The work was estimated at $50,000 and included wheelchair ramps inside and outside and a complete renovation of the living area for Ashlyn Rotta, whose worsening condition increasingly forces her to get around with a wheelchair.
Steve Brooke, executive vice president for Jaynes Corp. in Las Vegas, said the family was referred by the public relations department at HCA Sunrise Children's Hospital.
"We met with the family and tried to understand their needs," Brooke said. "Basically what we did is make it all (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible."
Dynamic Plumbing rebuilt the bathroom with a handicap-accessible shower, MorCon Concrete poured the outside wheelchair ramps and TradeWinds Construction did the framing and drywall work.
Gary Congdon of Lee & Sakahara Architects donated his time to draft the renovation plans and secure construction permits for the project.
Brooke said he was overwhelmed by contractors' response to the project.
"We've got 50 percent unemployment in the trades and the subcontractors are still willing to jump out there and spend their own money and volunteer their time in this market. That speaks volume about these guys," he said. "This has to be one of the most rewarding projects we have ever worked on."
Tom Brown, president of San Diego-based Sierra Pacific West and president of AGC Charities, said the contractors' volunteer efforts were supported by dozens of construction companies from around the country that donated more than $10,000 to buy key construction supplies, including concrete, stucco, wood and drywall.
"We can't build a healthier life for Ashlyn, but we can make things a lot more comfortable and safe for her and her family," he said.
Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0491.
